Why I appreciate Veterans
Our Veterans are an important part of our nation’s history; we honor and
recognize them each year on Veterans Day, but is it enough? November 11th is a
day of waving flags, patriotic music, and appreciation. But what happens on
November 12?
We live in a community that is rich with Veterans. Heroes are living among
us and can be found at church, the local coffee shop, or at the hardware store. How
do we look at our service men and women? When we see an elderly man struggling
with his groceries, do we see a war hero? Do we see a soldier who has risked
everything for his country?
My late grandfather is a perfect example. I knew him late in his life when
years had stolen his youth. One might have been surprised that this man who
struggled with his memory and walked with a shuffle was once a great war hero.
But it is our duty to dig deeper, to uncover lost stories and forgotten heroes so that
we can fully appreciate the sacrifices our Veterans made for our freedom.
He was eighteen years old, serving our country as Second Lieutenant in
World War II. He flew B-24s dropping bombs on the countries of Austria and
Germany. On one particular mission, the worst possible thing happened; the engine
failed. The plane was going down, and the crew was certain for death. In a panic, he
called, “Mayday! Mayday!” The famous African American Tuskegee airmen came to
the rescue. In recent years the Tuskegee airmen have become famous because of
the movie “Red Tails.” But during World War II, they were looked down upon
because of their skin color. They were considered second-class citizens and second-
class soldiers. But they saved my grandfather’s life. They used their precise flying
skills to maneuver their plane tip to tip, wing to wing, with my grandfather’s plane
carrying them back to safety.
I appreciate Veterans for acts of patriotism that show love and bravery above
themselves. Sometimes called, “Flying Angels,” these African American pilots were
treated poorly yet risked everything for their fellow Americans. Veterans love their
country enough to risk their lives and fight for their country. Race, age, gender, it
doesn’t matter. They have grit, bravery, and love. So dig deeper, discover lost
stories and forgotten heroes. Our Veterans deserve it.